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Sean Donnelly is a writer for USA TODAY Homefront. His content draws on more than three years of experience in the moving industry. He started as a laborer and was quickly promoted to moving crew leader. Sean also served as a move coordinator, where he conducted in-home and virtual estimates for customers. During his time in the industry, Sean assisted more than 500 clients with their relocation needs. Thanks to his years of hand-on experience, he understands all aspects of moving — from proper preparation to the quote process to effective packing techniques. Sean studied English literature and creative writing at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is still located in the greater Springfield area. When he isn’t writing, Sean is a cohead coach of the boxing team at his alma mater.
Moving is expensive, especially if you hire a full-service mover. Based on quotes we received from 10 nationwide moving companies, the average cost of a three-bedroom, 2,880-mile, full-service move is $13,833. But unless you’re selling your furniture and can fit all your belongings into your car, you’ll need to hire a professional mover or rent a moving container or truck.
Hiring a full-service moving company saves you time and energy but is the most expensive option. Renting a moving-and-storage container is budget-friendlier and the second-most convenient way to move; you’ll have to pack your belongings, but pros will transport them.
Renting a moving truck or van is the cheapest way to relocate. However, this can be a time-consuming hassle if you’re unfamiliar with best practices for packing, loading and transporting your items.
We called for personalized quotes, read hundreds of customer reviews and dug deep into each provider’s offerings to help you find the best mover for you at a price that fits your budget.
Here are our top picks for budget-friendly and effective moving truck rentals, moving containers and full-service movers.
Top DIY moving trucks:
Top moving container companies:
Top affordable full-service moving providers:
See how top long-distance movers offering comprehensive services compare on key metrics.
If you’re hiring a pro, getting quotes from at least three movers is the first step in finding the best rate. Here are a few tips to help you cut costs on your next move.
Every full-service mover we reviewed offers add-ons, including packing and unpacking, vehicle shipping, storage and more.
In our November 2023 survey of 900 customers who hired a full-service mover in the past two years, 81% of respondents said they opted into one or more additional services. Packing was the most common add-on with 20% of respondents indicating they paid for this service.
These supplementary services may streamline your move, but the costs can add up quickly. Moving companies charge different rates for add-ons; some are more affordable than others, so only consider these services if they fit your budget.
While secret shopping, we found that the average cost for a two-bedroom move from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco was $5,364 with packing and $4,164 without it, meaning packing yourself would save you $1,200.
When packing your goods, starting early is key. Declutter first to reduce the number of things you need to pack, and ask friends or family to help if the task seems too daunting to take on alone.
Properly packing your belongings is necessary to keep them from getting damaged in transit. Unfortunately, buying moving boxes can significantly increase your total moving costs.
For example, Home Depot sells three-bedroom moving box kits. These kits are convenient, but they cost $588.81. Omit that large expense by getting free moving boxes from a recycling center, grocery store, or online marketplace such as Facebook Marketplace or your local Buy Nothing group.
Shipment weight contributes greatly to your move’s cost. Downsizing your home is among the best ways to get a smaller estimate and save money.
“A lot of times, people will pay to move things that they don’t need or that they haven’t used in years and probably never will use,” said Ashley Graber, co-owner of Cool Hand Moving in New York City.
We recommend taking an inventory of your belongings before you begin packing and seriously consider whether you need everything you plan to move.
Hosting a garage, yard or rummage sale can help you get rid of belongings while earning extra money to cover moving expenses. You can also try selling lightly used items on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, LetGo, OfferUp and eBay.
May through September are the most popular months of the year to move — 44% of respondents in our survey said they moved during these months. Most moving companies raise their rates during summer to capitalize on customers’ interest in moving when the weather is warmer.
If possible, plan your move during the spring, fall or winter, when moving rates may be lower. If you must move during peak season, consider moving on a weekday in the middle of the month to secure a lower rate.
Some movers may offer discounts to get your business, especially if it’s the off-season, business is unusually slow, or you book your move well ahead of time. For example, after we gave American Van Lines our email and phone number for a quote request in early May 2024, we received a voicemail from a representative offering “attractive discounts” if we used AVL for our move.
The federal government requires moving companies to provide released-liability coverage for all moves. This mandatory minimum coverage provides 60 cents per pound per item in reimbursement if goods are lost or damaged during the move, and it is included with every base moving quote. This level of coverage is sufficient for basic moves with durable furniture and a few breakable items and won’t cost you any extra money.
Most moving companies provide additional coverage, called valuation coverage or full-value protection. This insurance will provide you with $6 or more per pound per item in coverage. Your added cost will be between 3% and 5% of the total dollar value of your protection.
This is a significant added cost, so consider waiving valuation coverage unless you’re moving high-value items such as antiques, heirlooms, or expensive TVs and tech items.
While not the most convenient, renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move. These are the most affordable truck rental options based on our secret shopping and research process.
We got an instant online quote from Budget for a 2,800-mile move. A 16-foot moving truck — suitable for three to four rooms — would cost $4,057 for the cross-country move. The 26-foot truck accommodates up to eight rooms and was $9,999. All trucks come with 11 days of rental and unlimited miles.
You can opt to tow your car using a Budget truck, but this comes with a fee. Our quote indicated that the car carrier add-on was an additional $616.
When we got our quote, the website had a “Prepay & Save” promotion for all trucks except the 26-foot truck. By prepaying, we would save $608.55 for the 16-foot moving truck.
Budget Truck Rental operates across the continental United States and is known for its upfront and transparent pricing. Knowing your total cost before you pick up your rental can help you budget more appropriately.
What we like
When it comes to getting fast and accurate moving quotes, it’s tough to beat Budget. After entering your pickup and drop-off ZIP codes and pickup date, Budget provides you with its rental selection that includes all-in pricing for each option. That means there’s no guesswork or estimates when working with Budget.
What we don’t like
Unlike competitors with more extensive fleets of vehicles, Budget only has four rental options ranging from a cargo van to a 26-foot moving truck. These rentals are likely suitable for most moves but may not fit your exact needs.
Budget offers three rental trucks in different sizes and one cargo van.
The 16-foot and 26-foot moving trucks have loading ramps and vehicle-towing capability.
Budget also provides moving blankets, hand trucks and protection plans for an additional fee.
Budget has locations in 48 states but is unavailable in Alaska and Hawaii.
Budget’s headquarters has 1 out of 5 stars on its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. However, poor BBB ratings are common for a large company’s national office. Customer comments on Google Reviews for local branches tend to be more positive.
For example, a Budget location in Indianapolis has 3.1 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Many reviewers cite affordable pricing and smooth truck pickup and delivery.
The cost to rent a U-Haul varies depending on the mileage of your move, the vehicle size, and your pickup and drop-off dates.
We got a quote online within seconds while secret shopping for a move from Santa Rosa, California, to Raleigh, North Carolina. A 20-foot truck, which is suitable for a two- to three-bedroom home, would cost $5,969 for a cross-country move. A slightly larger 26-foot truck — suitable for a three- to four-bedroom home — would cost $7,163.
If we opted to tow a car behind the truck, the 20-foot truck would cost an additional $297, and the 26-foot truck would cost $597 more.
U-Haul is all but synonymous with DIY moves. It has 23,000 locations throughout the country, so no matter where you’re moving to or from, U-Haul is likely an option for your self-service move. In addition to its many locations, U-Haul offers competitive rates on all its rental vehicles.
U-Haul has a larger fleet than Budget. Its vehicles range from pickup trucks — useful for moving a few pieces of furniture across town — to 26-foot trucks capable of transporting the contents of a three-bedroom home across the country.
We also like that getting a quote for your rental vehicle is quick and easy on the U-Haul website. All it takes is a few clicks to see how much you’ll pay for your move.
Unlike Budget, which offers unlimited miles for any move, U-Haul’s shorter-distance moves include an additional per-mile fee. Paying an additional 69 to 79 cents per mile might not seem like much initially, but that cost can add up if you make multiple trips back and forth.
U-Haul also has a franchise business model, which is why it has so many locations. While it’s nice to have a location near your old and new home, this business model is a double-edged sword. Based on reviews, the customer experience can differ vastly depending on your pickup and drop-off locations.
U-Haul has moving vehicles available for rent on its website.
Along with its rental trucks, U-Haul offers U-Box Containers for rent. These moving containers are 257 cubic feet — approximately large enough to fit one-and-a-half rooms’ worth of furniture.
U-Haul is available in all 50 states.
U-Haul has 1.1 out of 5 stars on BBB, with negative reviews citing issues with unfriendly or difficult branch staff members. However, your experience may differ depending on the branch or branches you work with.
One location in Raleigh, North Carolina, has 3.6 out of 5 stars on Google reviews with many positive reviews mentioning the friendliness of staff members. If you’re considering renting from U-Haul, we recommend reading reviews for the specific branches you’ll rent a vehicle from to gauge customer satisfaction.
Getting a moving container is the second-cheapest moving option. While you still need to pack your own belongings, the best moving container companies will safely transport your container from your current home to your new one.
We got an online quote from U-Pack for a 2,880-mile, three-bedroom move within minutes. The $7,665 quote included no labor and required 23 feet of trailer space. This price is far cheaper than that of any full-service movers we researched.
U-Pack does not require a deposit for booking. However, you must cancel at least seven business days before moving day to avoid a $50 cancellation fee. Same-day cancellation incurs a $150 fee. The 2,880-mile move is estimated to have a transit time of eight to 10 days from pickup to delivery.
If you’re looking to save money on a move and don’t mind DIY packing and labor, then U-Pack may be your best option. Moving costs with this container and truck provider are significantly lower than those offered by full-service movers. While the three-day loading and unloading windows are shorter compared to other container providers, it still offers most clients enough flexibility to get the job done. If you require a longer loading period, then a provider like PODS may be a better choice.
U-Pack offers clear and concise pricing online and allows clients to easily book trailer and ReloCube rentals. Simply input your basic move information online, including approximate trailer space requirements and move distance, and you can get an all-inclusive rate. It requires no deposits to secure booking and offers an easy-to-use moving labor portal for hiring help at any stage of your moving process.
U-Pack’s strict three-day loading and unloading windows can be a deterrent for some clients. This feature doesn’t offer the same flexibility as competitors such as PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT. The company only offers long-term storage for items transported in its ReloCubes; trailer moves do not have the same storage option.
U-Pack exclusively services moves of 150 miles or longer. The company rents out 7-by-6-by-8-foot ReloCubes (for single rooms and studio apartments) and 27-by-8-by-9-foot trailers (up to a three-bedroom home) for long-distance moves. It also provides easy access to moving labor and packing supplies for clients who need them, along with additional coverage for damaged or lost items.
U-Pack is available throughout all 50 states with some delivery options in Canada and Puerto Rico.
U-Pack has a customer review rating of 4.38 out of 5 stars on BBB. Customer complaints are minimal but mention lack of adherence to delivery dates. This is a common complaint among customers who book with container providers. The overwhelmingly positive reviews cite the ease of booking with U-Pack as well as satisfaction regarding its lack of a deposit requirement to reserve containers or trailers.
We called PODS to get a quote for a three-bedroom home move from California to North Carolina. The representative recommended renting a 16-foot container and an additional 8-foot container to fit our belongings.
During the call, our representative offered us a 25% discount via an online promo code for delivery and pickup fees. The customer service representative also offered us a 15% discount on transportation fees, which led to significant discounts on our move.
The total cost with our discount was $16,304.51. This included drop-off and pickup fees, transportation, one month of storage and $10,000 worth of contents protection. If we needed the containers for more than one month, we would owe an additional $860.95 per month.
Since this cost exceeds some full-service moving quotes we got, we only recommend booking with PODS if you can fit all of your belongings in one storage container.
PODS is one of the largest DIY moving companies in the world, serving 44 states and Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. The company offers three moving container options that can also be used for temporary storage at your new residence or one of PODS’ secure storage facilities.
PODS offers free, no-obligation quotes over the phone, and in our experience, the customer service team is very friendly and thorough.
The PODS website also has a convenient online moving calculator that gives you a ballpark idea of which storage container (or containers) you’ll need based on the size of your home and the belongings you’ll be packing.
While PODS has three container options, its 12-foot containers are only available for local moves. So, if you’re moving a longer distance, you’ll need to rent the more expensive 16-foot container if you have a larger home.
Additionally, if your belongings don’t fit in the 16-foot container after downsizing, you’ll need to rent multiple containers, which will increase your total moving cost.
PODS has three container options that can be used for shipping and storage.
Additionally, PODS works with local companies nationwide that can load and unload your belongings for an additional fee. While including these services will add to the total cost of your move, it will result in more efficient packing of your storage unit and alleviate most of the legwork.
PODS is available in 44 states and Washington, D.C. Its services are unavailable in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Wyoming.
PODS has 1.4 out of 5 stars on BBB, which isn’t uncommon for large companies. BBB often serves as a forum for dissatisfied customers rather than a website with objective reviews.
Reviews for local PODS branches on Google Reviews are more favorable. However, we read several Google and BBB reviews citing a lack of transparency on pricing and customers’ credit cards being charged for their moves.
Positive reviews mention high-quality customer service and seamless container delivery and pickup.
It’s important to note that no full-service mover can be considered “cheap,” as their services are inherently expensive. However, the following movers are qualified to handle a comprehensive range of services with efficiency and care and gave us the lowest ballpark rates out of seven top movers we requested quotes from.
Safeway quoted us a rate of $10,333 for a three-bedroom, 2,880-mile move, including full packing and 30 days of storage at the destination. Of all the moving companies we researched for this article, Safeway’s customer service was the most thorough. The representative spent 50 minutes reviewing my inventory by phone to provide the most accurate price. A $2,000 deposit is required to book, but it’s fully refundable if you cancel within seven days of your move date.
Safeway Moving Systems Inc. is a carrier and broker that operates throughout the United States. While it provides direct service for clients closer to its home base in Florida, it brokers out many of its moves to other carriers elsewhere. This can lead to inconsistent service.
Safeway offers flat-rate pricing for all moves. This makes it easy for customers on a set budget. We called a Safeway customer service representative who confirmed that all of its Florida movers are hired full-time and trained before being sent out to a job.
This mover conducts a fair amount of its business as a broker through other carriers. While many of its partner companies are quality options, you are not guaranteed to work with a full-time mover trained directly by Safeway. Some reviews point to price inflation on moving day and broken items upon delivery. This can often be a concern when you work with brokers, as partner companies may add to the quoted cost. In these scenarios, you should always refer to the moving contract you were issued during the quote phase.
Safeway provides long-distance moving assistance. However, it does not advertise many add-on services. Its basic services include the following:
Its partner companies may have more expansive offerings in some locations. Disclose add-on service requests with your move coordinator during the quote estimate process, especially if you need specialized assistance with antiques or other valuable goods.
Safeway offers long-distance moving services in all 50 states.
Safeway has customer ratings of 4.2 out of 5 stars on BBB and 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Its positive reviews mention attentive customer service and claims representatives. Since it is primarily a broker, negative reviews describe a lack of communication regarding inventory lists and poor quality of brokered companies.
After spending 20 minutes on the phone with Moving APT’s representative and a move coordinator from a partner moving company, we got a quote of $9,000 for a three-bedroom, 2,880-mile move with 30 days of free storage. Packing services would add $1,600 to our bill for a total cost of $10,600. The reps told us about Moving APT’s price-matching policy, stating that they would give us a lower rate if we found a better quote from a competitor. This provider charged a $3,200 deposit upfront.
Moving APT partners with 2,500-plus independent moving companies. Since it is a moving broker, it doesn’t provide direct service for any moves it takes on. The breadth of its partners allows it to offer local and long-distance service to customers in all 50 states. However, like other brokers, Moving APT is prone to service quality variance in different locations.
Moving APT’s broker status allows for flexibility when booking moving services for container moves and full-service relocations. We like that it provides company bios for its top moving partners in prominent urban areas online. In addition, Moving APT offers a price-match policy when you provide lower quotes that you received from competitor companies.
Booking with a moving broker can lead to overbilling by the partner companies that ultimately handle your move. This is a complaint that is highlighted in some negative reviews. To avoid surprises, ask your Moving APT representative about the company that will handle your move and ask about added fees upfront to avoid a company that will inflate charges on moving day.
This broker offers local and long-distance service. Its long-distance moves come with 30 days of free storage, loading and unloading, and released liability coverage. Add-ons include the following:
Moving APT has more than 2,500 partner companies throughout all 50 states.
Moving APT has a customer review rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars on BBB. Negative reviews mention issues such as unprofessional moving crews, tardiness and inadherence to scheduled start times. Positive feedback mentioned attentive move coordinators and quality service.
We called JK’s customer service line for a long-distance move quote. The representative quoted us $10,700 for a three-bedroom, 2,880-mile move. Full-service packing for the entire home cost an extra $2,400, which brought the total to $13,100. A low $250 deposit is required to secure a specific move date. Once you’ve paid your deposit, this amount is subtracted from the final total when you pay the movers.
JK Moving Services is a carrier and broker that provides experienced moving crews and full-value protection for all moves. This combination offers moving clients added peace of mind. Some negative reviews report inflated pricing due to the coverage it includes, but we found that the company representative provided an agreeable price when we called for an estimate.
JK’s movers are all trained in a unique on-site facility that includes a fully furnished house. This helps all workers get real-life experience before they’re sent to pack up and move your belongings.
Some reviews mentioned increased charges upon their delivery’s arrival at their destination. However, these customers failed to mention whether they had added inventory between quote day and moving day.
JK offers limited local moving and comprehensive long-distance services. These move packages can include the following:
JK provides long-distance service to all 50 states and local moving assistance for customers in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland.
JK is one of the highest-rated moving companies. Its BBB customer review rating is 4 out of 5 stars and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews based on more than 1,350 ratings. These reviews reflect the quality of this moving company’s in-house training methods for movers — many reviews praise crew members by name, emphasizing JK’s quality care from start to finish. Any negative reviews summarized typical hiccups that come up with nationwide moving companies, such as miscommunication regarding services and changes to the price due to added inventory on moving day.
If you’re weighing whether movers are a worthy investment, the following questions may be at the top of your mind. Here are some key things to know before hiring a moving company.
Low-end costs for a 2,880-mile, three-bedroom move fall between $9,000 and $12,900. The average total moving cost for the same move is $13,833 when add-on services, such as packing, are considered.
The moving company quotes we requested were for cross-country moves, which are substantially more expensive than local moves or moves between bordering states. Per our proprietary survey, 154 respondents who moved within 25 miles reported an average moving cost of $1,802.
Tipping is never a requirement; most moving companies state this in their website’s FAQ section or their moving contract. However, if your movers went above and beyond or made the relocation a stress-free experience, consider tipping. A good rule of thumb is $5 per mover per hour for local moves or $40 to $50 per mover per day for multiday moves.
All reputable moving companies should present proof of licensing upon request. Local moving companies will carry local and statewide registration, while national or interstate movers must carry federal registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Interstate movers must also have active U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which will be displayed on a company’s moving trucks and moving estimates. You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status in the FMCSA’s database.
Further, any reputable moving company should have numerous customer reviews. You can find these on Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, BBB and social media sites like Reddit. Customer feedback is the best way to get a glimpse into a given mover’s business practices beyond what is listed on their website. Look for positive and negative comments, especially those concerning estimates and fees.
You can save hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars on your move if you rent a truck from a company like Budget or work with a moving container company like U-Pack. However, paying a bit more for a reasonably priced full-service mover will save you time, stress and legwork.
If you need a full-service mover, consider Safeway Moving Systems, Moving APT or JK Moving Services. These three movers offered the lowest full-service quotes during our secret shopping process.
Safeway’s flat-rate pricing helps you budget appropriately for your move, and Moving APT’s price-match policy gives you peace of mind that you’re getting one of the best rates available.
Each mover requires a deposit, so set aside some money before your move. JK has the lowest deposit requirement at only $250 while Moving APT and Safeway require deposits of up to 33% of your total moving cost.
Start saving early to help pay for your deposit and cover the entire cost of your move. Additionally, get written copies of every quote and a copy of your moving contract when you book to ensure the provider won’t unjustly inflate costs come moving day.
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
BBB and Google Reviews ratings are current as of May 2024.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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